It's the end of an era for one Coronation Street resident as the cobbles must bid farewell to one of their most popular characters.

Actor Ryan Thomas has announced he is leaving the soap and moving onto pastures new. The 31-year-old has played builder Jason Grimshaw on the show for fifteen years but is leaving in the New Year as he wants "to pursue new challenges".

In a statement Thomas said: "It has been a great privilege to be in Coronation Street for the past 15 years. The cast and crew are amongst the best in the business and to have had the chance to be a part of it for so long has been an amazing experience.

"The decision to leave was an extremely difficult one but I felt that now was the right time to spread my wings and try other roles. I'm just excited now to see what exit storyline the writers give Jason."

While Corrie producer Stuart Blackburn added; "Ryan has been an important part of Coronation Street for 15 years. We wish him every success when he moves on next year and we appreciate his desire to try new things.

"In the coming months he'll be at the heart of a massive story, affecting not just his family but the Websters and the Windasses too, which will take us well into 2016."

It's thought the actor wants to chance his arm across the pond... famous last words though in soap land. He will probably just turn up in Casualty in year or so but sure we'll wish him well.

Ryan's final scenes will air next summer so a while longer with him yet.